David Beckham denounces Sepp Blatter racism remarks

Former England captain David Beckham reacts to Fifa president Sepp Blatter's
racism comments.

7:59AM GMT 18 Nov 2011

Speaking ahead of the MLS Cup final in the United States, LA Galaxy player David Beckham spoke out against Fifa president Sepp Blatter's comments in which he said there was no racism in football and that players involved in any racist confrontations on the pitch should settle their differences with a handshake at the end of the match.

"I think the comments were appalling ... the FA do a lot of work with kicking racism out of the game and they've made huge strides over the last 10-15 years. [Racism] is still there and it can't just be swept under the carpet and it can't just be sorted out with just a hand shake," Beckham said.

The FIFA president's comment sparked intense pressure for him to resign and has provoked a furor in England where the FA is dealing with two high-profile racism allegations.